How Much? About the Cropped Top...

I love the idea of the cropped top.  When putting together collections in school, I was obsessed with them (see some of my old sketches below).

A couple of summers ago, I decided to make myself a super sweet little strapless white Swiss Dot cropped top (you can see me in it below!).  The problem with it, was that I couldn't wear it that often.  I wore it on hot days, bumming around the city, but I often found it inappropriate for lots of situations, maybe it was just that I was uncomfortable showing so much skin.

 I'm bringing up my history with the cropped top because it seems to be here in a big way.  All over the runways (see below: Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Balmain, Rochas...and these are just a few) they are here for Spring.  Their presence seems to be so strong and I wonder, how the average girl plans on wearing them.  I think they look so great in theory, but in my experience they're challenging.  Will we all start wearing them so they aren't so noticeable...will I be able to go to brunch or to a bar in one?  I'm not asking to wear them under a suit to work (I don't think that one will ever work, unfortunately) but I'm hoping to be able to wear it out-and-about with a little less attention.

Boy-iness. Let's Borrow!

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One of my favorite things coming out of Spring 2013 shows is a boyishness for girls that is so sexy.  I love it, maybe because I've been doing it for awhile.  The word, Androgynous, sounds so harsh, but it really doesn't have to be.  There is an easy cool that happens when we borrow from the boys.

Pringle of Scotland (Looks 1-3)- Look 1 has all the ease and cool of boy dressing in a feminine way.  Looks 2-3, bring out the man trouser but keeps it very feminine with a stiletto.

Preen (Look 4)- Brings out the man trouser again, but paired with a strapless top (beautiful side sheer detailing); there isn't any sensuality lost.

Simone Rocha (Look 5)- She has captured the boyish punk attitude of ease and 'we don't care'.  With the look in lace, without lining (figure out how to do it appropriately for the streets and the un-fashion world), it remains interesting.  The cropped top and the low-slung skirt is effortlessly sexy...it is a silhouette combo that I want to wear all the time.

Finally....

Thomas Tait (Look 6) - He has girls dressing like boys with all kinds of architectural shapes and we love it. I think a confident women with the right attitude can pull his looks off and be so chic.

The 'boys for girls' look isn't for all girls.  You have to have the attitude and not be afraid that a guy may not find you sexy in it.  It's all about integration of boy-wear  into your feminine wardrobe and the attitude of the 'boy' into your personal style that will make it a success.

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something I recently wore...totally not afraid of boy dressing

Fall Accessories

I made the Head Scarf a couple of years ago, originally as a Christmas present.  I seem to keep seeing them in one form or another on all the runways now.  Done well, they are very cool and functional.

(you can buy mine on etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/aworldofprettythings?ref=seller_info)

Seeing Spots this Summer

 All summer, Yayoki Kusama's spots have been popping up all over the city.  I've been noticing them everywhere and last weekend I finally got to visit her exhibit at The Whitney.  If you have a chance to go, definitely go, it's worth seeing.